Hi Everyone,

Happy Friday! Thanks for spending part of it reading The Lake Street Journal.

Historian Rick Atkinson in his Home Office

This was a really cool interview with Rick Atkinson, three time Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Liberation Trilogy and The Revolution Trilogy.

The last volume in The Liberation Trilogy, The Guns at Last Light, is an incredible book about the end of the European Campaign in WWII. It begins on the beaches of Normandy and ends with Germany's surrender. It should be required reading for all Americans, along with the rest of Atkinson's books.

The interview was really cool because it was in his house, so it was a true glimpse into the life of the author. He talked about his career before books, history, researching, writing, publishing, and every part of the 5 to 6 year process he undergoes for most of his books.

It's a fascinating interview for all history lovers, Atkinson fans, and writing enthusiasts.

After watching, I ordered a copy of his first book, The Long Gray Line, which chronicles the West Point class of 1966. I'll report back with a recommendation!

A Formula for Grit

I enjoyed this article on parenting for grit from Shane Trotter. The basic point is the one Angela Duckworth makes in her book, Grit, "the children of psychologically wise parents fare better than children raised in any other kind of household."

She defines wise parenting as being demanding and supportive.

As Trotter writes, "Too often today’s parenting advice is perverted to excuse low standards, infinite second chances, and parents who are eager to solve their children’s problems for them. We’ve become experts at making excuses for children. Thus, they become convinced that they should be accommodated—that they should be understood and excused when things get hard, rather than expected to step up and find a way. The cumulative effect is utter grit-lessness."

I've found parenting to be a humbling experience. It's harder than I imagined in pretty much every way. So I appreciate reminders like these on a regular basis. Generally the hard jobs are the most important ones. Parenting is no exception. If we fail to raise good adults, society pays the price.

If you enjoyed the excerpt above, you'll appreciate the whole article, and you'll also enjoy Shane's book, Setting the Bar.

Going Through the Trouble

This was an excellent piece from Billy Oppenheimer about the work it takes to develop world class skills.

Bob Dylan sucked at singing when he started. Ira Glass was a lousy radio talent for years. Jon Batiste and Jerry Seinfeld put in decades of work to possess talents that others would come to regard as gifts. Billy tells all those stories in this article.

Whenever you think you stink at something, remember that great talents take enormous amounts of time to build. And read this piece from Billy. It will inspire and reassure you at the same time.

Song of the Week

I love Stephen Wilson Jr.'s cover of Stand By Me.

It's not for everyone. Most people I share it with don't really like it. In fact, I didn't love it at first. But the more I listened, the more I couldn't stop listening. Check it out, and let me know what you think.

Quote of the Week

"The whole challenge of life is to act with honor and hope and generosity. You can't help when or what you were born, you may not be able to help how you die; but you can—and you should—try to pass the days between as a good man." - Sam Damon

Have a question or a comment? Respond to this email.

Talk soon,

Joe